Tour S7: Pukaskwa National Park

11 days, 180 km (120 mi.)

This sea kayak tour of Pukaskwa National Park is designed for the experienced sea kayaker with
a taste for adventure.

Cascading rivers, uninhabited coastline, magnificent
granite headlands, and deep clear water -- the
Pukaskwa coast of Lake Superior is the experienced
kayakers' dream adventure. Your trip leader will guide you
from the park headquarters, all they way to
Michipicoten Harbour, 160 km to the southeast.

Itinerary

Day 1: 9:00 A.M. (Voyageurs Lodge to Pukaskwa
National Park, Heron Bay). We meet at Voyageurs'
Lodge where we will transport you to Pukaskwa
National Park (five hour drive). The scenic drive
on the trans-Canada Highway passes through Lake
Superior Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National
Park. We will stop at several scenic lookouts along
the way.

Day 2 (Fish Harbour or Oiseau Bay):After we
review safety procedures and paddling instruction
paddle south past the White and Willow Rivers,
through the long sheltered channels of Morrison
Harbour, while taking advantage of the small
islands that dot the coast south of the Willow. Our
campsite at Oiseau Bay is on a large sand
beach.

Day 3 (Hidden Lake Harbor): Paddle through many
narrow channels and stop for a break in the deep
sheltered waters of Fisherman's cove -- one of the
prettiest coves in the park. As we leave Fishermans
cove, the coast is dotted with numerous small
islands and passageways -- some small enough to
"squeeze" through -- as well small rivers with
white crystlline sand beaches. Simons Harbour area
is particularly beautiful- we set up camp there
near Hidden Lake Harbor.

Day 4 (Otter Island): We pass the white and
pink granite headlands of English Fishery Harbour
and Triangle Harbour, and view the Cascade river as
it plunges over Cascade Falls into Lake Superior.
Cross to Otter Island to set up camp for two
nights. Then hike to the light-house for a
spectacular view of Lake Superior.

Day 5 (circumnavigate Otter Island): Paddle
west side of Otter Island in search of the Pukaskwa
Pits -- mysterious native American structures whose
meaning lies buried in time and in the speculations
of anthropologists. We cross to the mainland to
Otter Cove, the former home of the legendary Gus
Weidman, a reclusive and feared woodsman who lived
in this isolated spot during the early part of the
20’th century, then cross back over to Otter
Island and our campsite.

Day 6 (southeast of Pukaskwa River): We
continue to the southeast in the shelter of
Richardsons's Harbour, then pass Point La
Canadienne into the mouth of the Pukaskwa River.
Remmnant moss covered buildings of the old logging
days are still standing here. Our desitination is
the 'Wheat Bin', a large beach campsite. If we have
time, we will continue to a site near Crane Island
or the Pipe River.

Day 7: (Near Ghost River): With, hopefully,
west and southwest winds at our backs we continue
on to Floating Heart Bay or the Ghost River to make
camp (west of Point Isacor).

Day 8 and 9 (Dog River ): The Dog River is a
great spot to relax. We hike to the spectacular
Dennison Falls a few kilometers upstream, and spend
a day recuperating those tired paddling
muscles.

Day 10 (Dorry River): There are many pocket
beaches along this section such as McCoy's Harbour
and Minnakonna Pt. where we take leisurely breaks.
The Dorry River provides a great campsite just a
few hours paddle from the Michipicoten River.

Day 11 (Michipicoten River): We land inside the
mouth of the Michipicote River at 12:00 p.m., to
end your guided sea kayaking adventure trip on Lake
Superior. We then transport the drivers in our van
back to Voyageurs Lodge.